104 Responses to "2012 Draft: The Top 10"

And one position hasn’t changed for 2 years. I hope the oilers play it safe this year, organizational need is not wise with the first pick especially with trying to project a defenseman. Packages also should not be an option, who looks back fondly on the package we got for some of our players in the 90’s? The rangers maybe.

Prediction – weeks of speculation about the Oilers trading the pick or taking someone other than Nail Yakupov, followed by last minute speculation about trades, all culminating with the Oilers picking Yakupov.

LT, how much do you think the Oilers would have scouted Galchenyuk in his per-draft year? If the Oilers traded down to five, would they take him if he was still on the board?
Surely he’s too much of a gamble for a GM like Tambellini.

edwards_daddy:
LT, how much do you think the Oilers would have scouted Galchenyuk in his per-draft year? If the Oilers traded down to five, would they take him if he was still on the board?
Surely he’s too much of a gamble for a GM like Tambellini.

I honestly don’t think Galchenyuk makes it to 5th overall. It’s so tough to know what an NHL team will do with these injuries to Galchenyuk, Rielly and even Yakupov who didn’t look great after coming back from the knee injury.

Gregor had an interesting article on Galchenyuk. I don’t buy into the “Russians are all bad” thing but the Oilers might & he seems the least Russian out of the big 3. What say you, Lowetide? He seems like the total package with the scout in the article comparing him to Toews.

Gregor had an interesting article on Galchenyuk.I don’t buy into the “Russians are all bad” thing but the Oilers might & he seems the least Russian out of the big 3.What say you, Lowetide?He seems like the total package with the scout in the article comparing him to Toews.

Well I have him third on my list and if he’d been healthy for 20 games it might be higher. There’s risk in all of these guys, and the ones with injury concerns are the most dynamic. Toronto might end up with the best player in this draft by standing pat.

I still think you’re too high on Griffin Reinhart. Sure, he might be a top 10 pick, but if he’s top 7 you can colour me shocked. Yes, he’s a big body, but the offense probably won’t be there in the NHL. The more I read about Murray, Grigorenko and Galchenyuk, the more I think Stu has a super difficult task. I wouldn’t mind taking Grig or Galch first. Center depth is always the most valuable.

I still think you’re too high on Griffin Reinhart. Sure, he might be a top 10 pick, but if he’s top 7 you can colour me shocked. Yes, he’s a big body, but the offense probably won’t be there in the NHL. The more I read about Murray, Grigorenko and Galchenyuk, the more I think Stu has a super difficult task. I wouldn’t mind taking Grig or Galch first. Center depth is always the most valuable.

Yeah, that’s probably fair. I like Reinhart for his bloodlines and because he’s close and we get lots of reporting on him. Still, I think he’s going to be a very good one and would love to see him as an Oiler.

And with the mono issues with Grigorenko (reminds me of Couterier), anyone one of these 3 might be a gold chip or even all 3. I wasn’t in favour of trading down but if the Oilers could pry Gardiner away for the leafs pick for Gagner & their No 3, they might have a real sweet day landing a defenceman & a top flight center. KInd of like the Eskies wheeling & dealing the other day, which you’d never have seen that putz Macciocia do.

I don’t think the Leafs would give up #5 and Gardiner, hell I can’t see them trading Gardiner at all (Anaheim should be shot for dealing that guy).

Last year, we were pretty sure RNH, Larsson, Landeskog and Huberdeau would go in the top 5. This year, I think we can be certain about Yakupov, Murray, Grigorenko and Galchenyuk appears to be this year’s Huberdeau (late emerging and climbing right up to the top of the list).

I’m wondering if we’re going to be looking back on this draft and seeing Yakupov like Ovechkin, Grigorenko as Malkin and Galchenyuk as Toews…. Who would you rather have? I have to say tie goes to center.

DSF: If Howson was running the show, maybe. But Patrick isn’t going to start a rebuild by trading #2 overall. As for Luongo, I can see Toronto but #5 overall? Hmmm. Seems a little rich when you factor in the fact that Sweden’s annual GNP is owed to Bobby and the Luongo’s over the next 400 years.

Lowetide:
DSF: If Howson was running the show, maybe. But Patrick isn’t going to start a rebuild by trading #2 overall. As for Luongo, I can see Toronto but #5 overall? Hmmm. Seems a little rich when you factor in the fact that Sweden’s annual GNP is owed to Bobby and the Luongo’s over the next 400 years.

I’m not sure the Blue Jackets can afford a traditional rebuild in that market.

I would think the #2 pick will be available for the right package of established young players and, of course, Nash being available complicates things.

I don’t think Luongo and his contract would alone be worth a #5 pick but Burke has a history of swinging very big multi player deals so it could be in play in that scenario.

Nash can be traded before, during and after the draft. The only reason Columbus might combine the two is for an overpay and I believe Nash has given them a list of teams he’ll go to. Why would Patrick limit himself? He’s too smart for that.

Burke has no history in signing crazy long term deals and although he’s dealt for some this deal is the titanic (well, DiPietro is the titanic, maybe Luongo’s is the Hindenburg).

bookje:
Prediction – weeks of speculation about the Oilers trading the pick or taking someone other than Nail Yakupov, followed by last minute speculation about trades, all culminating with the Oilers picking Yakupov.

Man I hope so.

If you want to address the D fine, make a trade after you draft Yak, but for crying-in-the-sink you MUST take the consensus #1 overall.

I can see Burke making 5th overall part of a Nash package, but no way its part of Luongo package.

I actually think that LOLongo’s cap hit is much more palatable and commensurate with what he brings, but I think Nash commands a bigger price.

Lowetide:
Nash can be traded before, during and after the draft. The only reason Columbus might combine the two is for an overpay and I believe Nash has given them a list of teams he’ll go to. Why would Patrick limit himself? He’s too smart for that.

Burke has no history in signing crazy long term deals and although he’s dealt for some this deal is the titanic (well, DiPietro is the titanic, maybe Luongo’s is the Hindenburg).

Luongo’s contract, in effect, has another 6 years to run at $6.7M (cap hit $5.3M) and then drops away to an easy and cheap buyout number.

Dipietro’s still has 9 years left and was not front loaded.

If Luongo can get the Leafs into the playoffs, playoff revenue alone would pay for his contract.

I’m going to bet that despite all the talk of the Oilers needing defence that they load up on forwards at the draft. They have two goalies, five defenceman, and only three forwards to sign to contracts in summer of 2013 or later. Factor in that they have currentlyy 3 non-pro goalies, 8 non-pro D and only 6 non-pro forwards and it’s looking like the organization will have to take more forwards in this draft.

dulock:
I’m going to bet that despite all the talk of the Oilers needing defence that they load up on forwards at the draft.They have two goalies,five defenceman, and only three forwards to sign to contracts in summer of 2013 or later. Factor in that they have currentlyy 3 non-pro goalies, 8 non-pro D and only 6 non-pro forwards and it’s looking like the organization will have to take more forwards in this draft.

Well, they also have to have a place for these guys, but you’re right they can draft forwards who are bpa and trade from strenth to address weakness.

I bet they take a defenseman in the first round. Maybe not #1 but they’ll try to find a way to trade into the first round and grab one of these terrific defense prospects.

Anyone wondering about the empty seats in the Canada -US game (or the Canada – Slovakia game) it’s probably due to the frankly insane ticket pricing. The cheap seats for this game are 155 euros and the best seats are 175 euros. Tickets for yesterday’s game were 75 and 90 euros.

Finns are big hockey fans but that’s a lot of money to watch a game your country isn’t involved in.

I agree that they’ll take a defenceman high, possibly two but they are likely hesitant to sign Blain and Davidson because of the potential that they want to sign four or five D next summer. They could be losing prospects for nothing just due to the positions they are drafting

The Eskimos drafted great talent but there’s a risk because if they don’t end up with the Eskimos that’s a high price to pay. Plus SK ended up with two of the better players in the draft (#1 overall and that receiver later on)

This is the worst year for the Canucks to take Luongo to Market. Elliot resigning (?) helps them, but even thent here’s still Vokoun and Harding, out there for free, plus a slough of good journeymen. I still thnk Luongo gets more flak than he deserves and he is definitely the best goalie available this summer (unless Thomas is really out there, in which case they’re screwed) but his contract sucks so much. They’re probably better off trading Schnieder for plenty and keeping Lu, but it’s too far gone for that.

That’s why I see him going to Tampa, they’re in the same position Philly was last summer. “Fuck it, just fix the goaltending, I don’t care how, just fix it.”

If they can get Malone and a 2nd that’s a win. They might end up having to give him to anyone who’ll take him and calling the cap space the return. I’m surprised the Nash rumours are as high as they are. Contracts are important.

I think one of the most intriguing things in this year’s draft is the inexplicable drop of Jacob Trouba from last year. He was a top 5 lock all of last year and his game seems to have improved a great deal since then, yet he only appears on one of the above top 10 lists.

I would still put him firmly in the top 5 prospects in this draft, myself.

DSF: Those numbers are calculated if he was bought out now…not 6 years from now.

It’s not my website, but here’s what CapGeek says:

Roberto Luongo is 39 years old on the buyout date of June 15, 2018, setting the buyout ratio at 2/3 and the total buyout cost at $4,666,667 spread over 8 years. His contract was originally valued at $64,000,000 beginning in 2010 and ending in 2022, with $7,000,000 remaining from the buyout year forward. The following is a season-by-season breakdown of the buyout.

Roberto Luongo is 39 years old on the buyout date of June 15, 2018, setting the buyout ratio at 2/3 and the total buyout cost at $4,666,667 spread over 8 years. His contract was originally valued at $64,000,000 beginning in 2010 and ending in 2022, with $7,000,000 remaining from the buyout year forward. The following is a season-by-season breakdown of the buyout.

Lowetide: Well, they also have to have a place for these guys, but you’re right they can draft forwards who are bpa and trade from strenth to address weakness.

I bet they take a defenseman in the first round. Maybe not #1 but they’ll try to find a way to trade into the first round and grab one of these terrific defense prospects.

Really? Teams are trading away their young franchise centres and dmen? They would rather give up an elite player who plays down the middle for an elite winger? Assuming a GM somehow has an excess of these players and would even talk to you, how much of an overpay would that take?

And I thought the scouting reports were stating that there were no “terrific defensemen” this year? Some solid guys but nothing high end?

spoiler: Really?Teams are trading away their young franchise centres and dmen?They would rather give up an elite player who plays down the middle for an elite winger? Assuming a GM somehow has an excess of these players and would even talk to you, how much of an overpay would that take?

And I thought the scouting reports were stating that there were no “terrific defensemen” this year? Some solid guys but nothing high end?

I’m not sure of your point, spOILer. I’m saying the Oilers can keep drafting forwards, but eventually will have to add defensemen by trade (or free agency but that doesn’t seem to be a management skill.

Redline says there are no top end guys, but I think there are some scouts who regard Ryan Murray as special. We’ll see.

Lowetide: I’m not sure of your point, spOILer. I’m saying the Oilers can keep drafting forwards, but eventually will have to add defensemen by trade (or free agency but that doesn’t seem to be a management skill.

Redline says there are no top end guys, but I think there are some scouts who regard Ryan Murray as special. We’ll see.

Well part of what I’m saying is that I think it is a bit of a myth that one can draft the BPA and trade for need, if one’s need is in greater demand than that BPA. I think it is difficult to trade elite wingers for elite dmen or centres. I’m not as comforted by the thought of taking BPA and trading for need later. Defensemen are probably easier to obtain by trade than centres though.

That said, if there’s a clear winner in the draft… a noticeable gap in quality, I think you have to take that player. With most picks, I don’t think that’s the case, but it does appear to be at the top end of this draft (according to reports).

If Luongo can get the Leafs into the playoffs, playoff revenue alone would pay for his contract.

Yes, but the loudheads never remember it this way a year or two later. Even in simple cases. Pisani’s contract was a belated even-up. What are 14 playoff goals worth? He sure wasn’t paid at that level while his eyes were glowing. Then he was given a spiff on the next contract to show that the team rewards out-of-skull performance when the chips are down, even if they don’t have to in the game of GM out-chintzmanhood (you’re only as good as your last plunder). I viewed it as a professional gesture, designed to send a good signal to players elsewhere in the league–and to take some of the stench off the Comrie moneygrub.

But then you read threads of ire about Oiler management being incapable of simple math, and the Pisani contract is mooted in the same fist full of coins as the real stinkers.

DSF is among the worst here at throwing figures at the wall with a whole lot of forgetting. So which is it? Inventive accounting up front to seize an opportunity, or paint-stripper accounting after the fact? A conservative or insecure GM will avoid inventive accounting even if he believes it is best for the team, because of the tendency of quick forgetting among the loudheads after the wheel turns. That can cost you your job. Is that what we want? Insecure management who won’t seize the main chance out of fear of short term optical reversal?

Horcoff got an extra million or three because Lowe had his ringer turned off (or his fingers in his ears) and didn’t realize it until too late. This was a large circumstantial adjustment. The team valued over-paying Horcoff against the embarrassment of icing a team in October completely Jaked. Painting yourself into a corner is a completely different class of mental error than not being able to correctly evaluate a player, or work out simple contract math. I believe the corner-painting was a group effort with Katz going “I don’t believe you.” and Lowe insisting “No, really.” I account that to a novice owner trying to impose the standards of business accountability he used in amassing his fortune, not realizing a sports league is necessarily a little different. He learned his lesson early. That’s how real businessmen work, the kind that amass fortunes. They make a lot of mistakes, but they make them quickly, then reassess. You write-off a Horc or two and move on.

That doesn’t stop the loudheads from showing up with the petrified tea leaves claiming that the Oiler management team has no notion of accountability whatsoever, when really the problem was that they had two incompatible standards of accountability (both on the hardcore side of the fence), and neither side would budge until the Horcoff overpay snapped them back to their senses (ouch, this is not going to play well, and we’re going to wear it for years). I prefer to view Horcoff as a tube of swimsuit glue, not a testament to appallingly bad horse-trading prowess. But you’ll never stop a discussion forum from selling one as the other in the exchange of molten cannon slag. Our vain and combative overlords needed the glue post EIG because they had two hotheads pulling the fabric in different directions, neither giving a quarter inch, both trying to achieve the lowest possible coefficient of drag–and proud of it until the fabric snapped.

Another problem with contract asterisks is that the arbitration panel for RFA disputes is packed with DSF-types. It’s almost an obligation of the role to work with just the numbers in black and white, although they can trim back a few egregious outliers in a show of mock statistical prudence. You might ask them afterwards over beers and they’ll go “yeah, sure, we know all that (the context of management clusterruffage), but it’s not our mandate to behave as if we do”. DSF, unfortunately, is a myope of a different hue.

At first, [Volta] embraced animal electricity. However, he started to doubt that the conductions were caused by a specific electricity intrinsic to animals. Volta believed that the contractions depended on the metals Galvani used to connect nerves and muscles in his experiments. Volta’s investigations led shortly to the invention of an early battery, but not by Galvani, who did not perceive electricity as separable from biology. Galvani did not see electricity as the essence of life, which he regarded vitalistically. Galvani believed that the animal electricity came from the muscle. Galvani’s associate Alessandro Volta, in opposition, reasoned that the animal electricity was a physical phenomenon caused by rubbing frog skin and not a metallic electricity. While, as Galvani believed, all frogs contain electrical power, specifically toads.

Hey, Luigi, why do you stick the probe into the sciatic nerve? Because that’s what makes the leg jump. Not without insight, yet ultimately founded in a strange conception.

The most daring decisions (and often the most successful) are the ones justified by an unusual context that runs against the grain. These same decisions get you crucified in short order in they don’t pan out, though a nearly universal trick of human memory: positive justifications are dimly perceived through negative outcomes after the fact.

Before Burke became a lawyer, did he perform a tour of duty in Iraq putting out oil fires by attaching sticks of dynamite to swinging ropes? That would be the proper credential for taking on the Luongo contract.

The thing about Barker, if the full miracle reversal had actually occurred, he could have become that one extra piece that gets you a win in G7 SCF instead of a loss. The downside was a chunk of change and an ulcer of golden opportunity for MBS.

spoiler: Well part of what I’m saying is that I think it is a bit of a myth that one can draft the BPA and trade for need, if one’s need is in greater demand than that BPA. I think it is difficult to trade elite wingers for elite dmen or centres. I’m not as comforted by the thought of taking BPA and trading for need later.Defensemen are probably easier to obtain by trade than centres though.

That said, if there’s a clear winner in the draft… a noticeable gap in quality, I think you have to take that player. With most picks, I don’t think that’s the case, but it does appear to be at the top end of this draft (according to reports).

Ah, okay. I understand. My basic point was if fans want Yakupov that’s cool but then they can’t be angry when the Oilers trade Jordan Eberle for a defenseman.

Spoiler, I guess It’s all in how you define elite in reference to the need you’re trying to fill. You couldn’t get Malkin for Eberle, but you could get J Staal or Getzlaf. You couldn’t get Chara or Doughty, but you could get Del Zotto, etc. My hope would be that with RNH as #1 you could do well with a non-elite but still great ‘other’ C (and yes an upgrade over Gagngerener). Btw I’m not suggesting we trade Ebs…

I’m not sure it’s so much the fans saying pick Yak, but history and stats. He is the consensus BPA by a wide margin, he outscored one of the other top 5 by 18 pts in their 16 yr old season, he finished 4th in OHL scoring in his 16 yr old season, history says forwards are much easier to project at 17, so unless MBS thinks Murray is as good as Doughty we have to take Yak.

My sense is we are more likely to have one of the top 4 have their career derailed by injury than traded for an elite Dman, but hey this city has seen Gretzky traded so I think it could handle any trade. My hope is the Oil study how the Rangers and Caps developed their D, as those teams have guys with similar pedigrees to the guys in our system and now have top 5 in the league Ds.

franksterra:
Spoiler, I guess It’s all in how you define elite in reference to the need you’re trying to fill.You couldn’t get Malkin for Eberle, but you could get J Staal or Getzlaf.You couldn’t get Chara or Doughty, but you could get Del Zotto, etc.My hope would be that with RNH as #1 you could do well with a non-elite but still great ‘other’ C (and yes an upgrade over Gagngerener).Btw I’m not suggesting we trade Ebs…

Trading Eberle would make me very angry.

But to your point… Eberle and Tavares had similar production this year. Would the Isles trade Tavares if you called them up and offered Eberle?

What is this BPA by a wide margin nonsense. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was also the unanimous #1 BPA by a wide margin. It didn’t mean Landeskog or Larsson or Couturier suck.

Yakupov isn’t Stamkos. It is arguable if he is even the equivalent of Hall (who led his team to two Memorial Cups, or Nugent-Hopkins) both of who would probably be ranked and picked ahead of Yakupov.

Because there are so few top forwards in this draft, and so few Canadian forwards, Yakupov is being over-rated, and because there are so many defensemen of varying types and abilities, Murray is being underrated. Murray is also suffering from Couturier syndrome.

Yakupov isn’t Stamkos. Murray had the largest role of a draft eligible defenseman for Canada at the World Juniors since Drew Doughty. The gap between Yakupov and Murray is undoubtedly far closer than the gap between Stamkos and Doughty.

I would rather the Oilers have to decide which of their elite wingers they’ll trade for defence than wonder why they took a good number three d-man who won’t reach his ceiling until he’s 23 and Hall has already ran off to a winner.

Murray has his strengths and I sure can see the appeal of the two G centers. I just think Nail is the safest pick. Considering the youth we already have we can afford to take the second best player in the draft, but we can’t afford not to get one of the best players. Nail’s scouting report sound like he has a motor to match Hall, so I like the idea of putting them on off-setting lines and wearing defenders out.

I am still pulling for the Oil to take a Center instead of another winger. I know Yakupov is the player ranked the highest over the past year, but I still would rather make a deal and get Galchenyuk. What happens if Edmonton and Montreal make a minor deal; Edmonton 1st for Montreal’s 3rd and Montreal’s 33rd. Then if the opportunity arises perhaps Washington could deal their 10th pick for our 32nd and the 33rd pick and Omark?? At 10 perhaps Dumba or Reinhart?? I know it sounds crazy and I have had a few beverages but one can wonder sometimes….

Let’s keep the age thing in perspective. Murray is 5 months younger than Martin Gernat. 2 months younger than Klefbom. He’s possibly on team Canada because the Oilers want to get a look at him and Lowe has the luxury to make happen.

He’s a prospect but not a phenom.

He’s 8 months younger than Adam Larsson. Defenseman can develop by sundial, no matter how promising the early arrows indicate.

If the Oilers really want Murray, I’d be most partial to trying to swap the #1 for #2 with an Oilers option to flip #1 picks in 2013. Columbus was really terrible this year and I think the Oilers are out of the lottery next year. The “swap of picks” is an easier pill to swallow for a GM and Columbus can use a headliner #1 pick. I know the idea has been mentioned before but it is the only one that seems to bring back any real value–a non-neglible shot at the #1 next year and a very good shot at a top 5 pick. Not sure if CLB would think the price too steep but there has to be a sense of urgency in Ohio right about now and Yaks is the game changer in this year’s draft.

gogliano:
If the Oilers really want Murray, I’d be most partial to trying to swap the #1 for #2 with an Oilers option to flip #1 picks in 2013.Columbus was really terrible this year and I think the Oilers are out of the lottery next year.The “swap of picks” is an easier pill to swallow for a GM and Columbus can use a headliner #1 pick.I know the idea has been mentioned before but it is the only one that seems to bring back any real value–a non-neglible shot at the #1 next year and a very good shot at a top 5 pick.Not sure if CLB would think the price too steep but there has to be a sense of urgency in Ohio right about now and Yaks is the game changer in this year’s draft.

I have been against trading down since the beginning. I think you have to take what the draft gives you and in this case it is Yakupov (as an aside I don’t like how some like to look back over three years in total and say we should have picked Seguin, Larsson, etc… One year at a time – BPA.) However if we could trade to #2 and have the option of swapping picks next year, I think you do it. Having said that, I don’t think there is a chance in hell that Columbus agrees to that – given where we both are in our rebuilds.

gogliano:
If the Oilers really want Murray, I’d be most partial to trying to swap the #1 for #2 with an Oilers option to flip #1 picks in 2013.Columbus was really terrible this year and I think the Oilers are out of the lottery next year.The “swap of picks” is an easier pill to swallow for a GM and Columbus can use a headliner #1 pick.I know the idea has been mentioned before but it is the only one that seems to bring back any real value–a non-neglible shot at the #1 next year and a very good shot at a top 5 pick.Not sure if CLB would think the price too steep but there has to be a sense of urgency in Ohio right about now and Yaks is the game changer in this year’s draft.

You emphatically state that Yakupov isn’t Stamkos. Other than the obvious genealogical truth, what do ou base that assurance on? I see that there’s more value in a center versus winger, but other than that I’m not sure where you get that separation.

Yakupov had a slightly better 17yr season than Stamkos did, and was on pace to an equal draft year until he blew his knee (26GP 21G 32A). They’re both unanimous projections to go 1st in their drafts.

Granted one has had an exceptional NHL start, but I’m not sure how you can grade minimal discrepancy between their respective pre draft results with such authority.

spoiler:
I never said I had any evidence. I was looking for evidence, some knowledge of the situation.

The evidence is obviously that he is never chosen to play for his country.

When you consider that many U.S born defensemen like Suter, Shattenkirk, Erik Johnson, Keith Yandle, Matt Carle, John Carlson, Nik Leddy are also not playing, you can likely slot Gilbert into the pecking order.

Maybe it’s just the fact that elite scoters are probably the most valuable kind of player out there, but if the Oilers trade 1OV, or draft Yak and then trade him or eberle a year or two down the road, I will always follow the departed scoring wingers stats with longing eyes, wondering what could have been. I know these types of sacrifices are necessary, and who knows, such a trade could take the Oilers to a cup someday, but they are such a rarity that when you’re so close to having one all to yourself it’s hard not to get selfish. Stud D men are less shiny, and so they’re easier to pass up on, even if you are starving for that kind of player.

From a PR perspective, I think it would make the most sense for the Oilers to take Yakupov, see what he turns into and in a couple years deal him. Like I said, as a fan this would hurt like hell but the fanbase would have had four years at that point to grow to love Hall and Ebs like family and if mgmt traded one of them away it would be much, much less popular. Plus, for better or for worse, Alberta fans will always feel closer to the boys who were born in western Canada.

Watched the game tonight and MPS was the best player. Lander controlled the puck well and pitlick showed very well. Harti less noticeable. As for the d, it didn’t look good. I don’t know how much better they are with teubert, but they looked poor tonight. I would see if chorney and/or plante would stay on for an AHL contract, but otherwise would use their contract spot to davidson and blain. Toniht OKC looked like they had 4 NHL caliber players, all forwards.

For San Antonio, Alex petrovic looked really strong. Howden didnt play enough to give an opinion on. Markstrom was quite good

Also MPS got post 30 seconds earlier with another nice one timer. He controlled the power play and looked very confident. Even did the gagner dangle earlier in the game. Trip to OKC seems to be helping his confidence

DSF,
Don’t bother.
Gilbert was traded away, therefore he must be good, according to the desperate Oilers fan.
See also: Hejda, Reasoner, and any number of useless plugs who’ve been dealt away over the years while the Oilers stink up the bottom of the standings.
“I’d hate to see the guy turn into another Ray Whitney.”
What was that, like 1978? Even Floyd’s over it by now.

DSF: The evidence is obviously that he is never chosen to play for his country.

When you consider that many U.S born defensemen like Suter, Shattenkirk, Erik Johnson, Keith Yandle, Matt Carle, John Carlson, Nik Leddy are also not playing, you can likely slot Gilbert into the pecking order.

Never isn”t exactly accurate, is it? And what’s the point of adding unavailable players into this equation?

I’m not saying he was or wasn’t. I would just like to know one way or the other. And if he was considered, was he asked, and if he was asked, why he declined.

Just looking to see if there’s a story out there. The US process doesn’t get the same reporting as the Canadian one, so there isn’t much on the webs.

Jesse:
Plus, for better or for worse, Alberta fans will always feel closer to the boys who were born in western Canada.

Come on Jesse, that’s ridiculous. Was Doug Weight less-admired because he was from Michigan? Or Jari Kurri unloved because he’s from Finland? Did Joffrey Lupul’s Fort Saskatchewan birthplace make up for his execrable play while in Edmonton? I don’t think Oilers fans care where the players come from as long as they produce results and keep assclownery to a minimum.

I submit Oilers fans are a little more cosmopolitan than you give them credit for, and have embraced guys named Risto, Georges, and Igor, and will continue to do so if they acquit themselves well on and off the ice.

Somewhat related, can we also cut back on the Let’s Draft Player X from Country Y, because right now on the roster we have Two Guys Also From Country Y, and They are Bound to be Best of Friends? Think of some people you could do without, who really get on your nerves, and then think of what country they’re from. I am sure the list includes plenty of Canadians. Friends, just like jerks, come from everywhere.

So let’s get players who are good at hockey, and who want to win. That’s what this team needs.

Does this mean the Oilers are laying the groundwork to underwhelm us with a Murray pick? Or are they floating trial balloons to other GMs to prompt undeniable offers for the #1? The former suggests they are not very bright, the latter requires craftiness they have not really demonstrated thus far.

What I think is ridiculous is how you missed my point entirely. I didn’t say that non-Western Canadians couldn’t be popular in Edmonton. My point is that it is easier to construct bullshit narratives about “good Canadian boys” and that Edmonton fans respond to that. I disagree that the average Oiler fan and resident of Northern Alberta is more cosmopolitan than that. The commenters on this and other similar blogs are not “average Oiler fans”, they are (for the most part) analytical, advanced stat loving, source-checking hobbyists. And even with that type of atmosphere and the pervasiveness of critical thinking spread throughout the Oilogosphere, you can still easily find comments that get around to saying, “Don’t pick Yakupov because of the ‘russian factor’,”. The hall-of-famer Terry freaking Jones just the other day tweeted something along the lines of “In light of the Radulov/AK shenanigans, Oiler mgmt will have to think very, very hard about taking Yakupov.” And this guy (and others like him) is where the “average Oiler fan” gets his/her information from.

I don’t think that this is *right*, which is why I disclaimed my statement with “for better or worse”. And with the consistent drama and overblown rhetoric surrounding Russians, I think it would be easier for Kevin Lowe to sell Oiler fans on a Yakupov trade than on an Eberle trade. That was my main point.

Of course, with all of this being speculation of a hypothetical situation that is two or three years down the road, all of this is a waste of breath anyway. *Sigh*

You put Forsberg right where I did, he plays an inferior league and is not lighting up the league. Also he had a pretty poor world junior. I am not impressed with his potential beyond a 3rd or 4th liner as his ceiling.